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Who will be the Doctor’s new companion?

Even though we knew Clara was leaving Doctor Who yonks ago, and that – based on previous experience – it would probably be a heartbreaking affair, we still weren’t prepared for THAT quick, matter-of-fact end to one of our longest-serving companions.

It all begs the question, of course, who will succeed Clara as the Doctor’s companion? Steven Moffat has confirmed the new companion will not appear this series and has yet to be written, but he has said she (or he!) will be very unlike a certain schoolteacher we’ve grown to love.

We’ve wracked our brains for all the possible replacements for Clara within Doctor Who and outside of the franchise. Here is our comprehensive list of possible Whovian companions.

The Canon Contenders

Ashildr/Me (Maisie Williams)

Maisie Williams and Doctor Who are a match made in geek heaven, and she is one actor who has certainly not been wasted during her time in the Whoverse. Introduced as a brave and creative Viking girl, Ashildr was cursed with immortality by the Doctor and now spends her many, many years helping those the Doctor has left behind.

Character-wise, it makes narrative sense for Ashildr to accompany the Doctor at some point in her timeline. She has after all, already begged him to take her away with him to escape the monotone and heartbreak of living forever. All the Doctor really has to do is change his mind on taking her.

However, it might be a long time before Maisie has the sort of free time available in her diary to commit to the 8-month filming commitment that Doctor Who requires. She’s already committed to a little something called Game of Thrones, and Arya Stark is at least on the “unlikely” end of dying likelihood scale (no one is a complete no, however).

Speaking on Graham Norton, Capaldi refused to speculate on whether Ashildr could be the next companion, saying: “I can’t answer questions like that but Maisie is fantastic. She’s been in Game of Thrones since she was 12 and is very assured.” It looks like we’ll have to settle for seeing Ashildr as a recurring guest star.

Osgood or the Osgood zygon or the other Osgood zygon (Ingrid Oliver)

Another fan favourite widely-touted for the companion spot has been Osgood, a kick-ass UNIT scientist who has been the Doctor’s biggest fan since we met her in Day of the Doctor. She’s basically the closest we’ll ever get to being in that Tardis with the Doctor, and we want the best for her.

The only problem is narratively, this doesn’t work as well as it might have done prior to the events of this series. One Osgood is dead, though whether she’s human or zygon, I doubt we’ll ever find out. The two Osgoods are bound to protecting peace on Earth, which, admittedly, is probably a more worthwhile calling than travelling with the Doctor to an almost certain doom (sorry, Clara). There could always be a fourth Osgood to travel with the Doctor or course, but we might be getting silly.

River Song (Alex Kingston)

If there’s one thing we wouldn’t put past Steven Moffat, it’s bringing River back for as many episodes as feasibly possible – despite the lack of narrative sense in doing so.

For all extents and purposes, River’s story is pretty much over. We know who she is. We know how she was born. We know how she died. None of this is stopping Moffat from bringing her back for the 2015 Christmas special, however, and one can rest assured if given even the slightest go-ahead, we might see a couple of seasons of a Capaldi/Kingston team up.

While I enjoy River’s appearances as much as the next person, she’s a useful tool in the Doctor Who arsenal rather than an essential cog. While River appearing as the next companion is extremely unlikely, it’s certainly possible.

A New Arrival

Michelle Keegan

Odds: 15/2 (Betfair)
Jenna Coleman is a former soap star, and we know another former soap star who is on the lookout for a new long term gig. Michelle has a very high profile and is just a tad photogenic, plus it would be nice to have a Northern companion for once. It depends what Moffat means by “different”, but if it’s “regional accent” then Michelle’s a good shout.

Rose Leslie

Odds: 15/2 (Betfair)
Rose probably isn’t the one you’d go for if you’re looking for a companion completely different from all that went before, but she can certainly pull off a regional accent, and she’s obviously well known to cult audiences from her roles in Downton Abbey and Game of Thrones.

Alfie Enoch

Odds: 14/1 (Betfair)
Why not a male companion? It is, after all, the age of a female Master, and Missy (Michelle Gomez) has been a revelation for Doctor Who. The only problem with the former Harry Potter star is that he might be a little wrapped up with his Stateside hit How To Get Away With Murder for the time being.

Joe Dempsie

Odds: 28-1 (Betfair)
If we’re going down the male companion route, one excellent choice would be Joe Dempsie, who played everyone’s favourite character Chris in Skins, as well as the eternally-rowing Gendry in Game of Thrones. The only problem is he’s already appeared in the series in a minor role before, but if Capaldi can return in a better role, we’re sure Dempsey can.

Who would you like to be the new Doctor Who companion? Vote for your fave in our poll: